The first author finds it hard to accept Wen’s point of view (see following paragraph), in which Pentapanax was treated as a section of the genus Aralia, and instead recognizes Pentapanax as distinct from Aralia on the basis of three main morphological differences: (1) inflorescences developing from specialized floral buds that are usually surrounded at the base by numerous persistent bracts (vs. from mixed buds, not surrounded by bracts at the base); (2) plants woody and unarmed (vs. woody and usually prickly, or herbaceous); and (3) leaves 1(-3)-pinnate (vs. leaves usually 2-4-pinnate).

Several phylogenetic studies have shown, however, that Pentapanax forms a group that is clearly nested within Aralia (Wen, Brittonia 45: 47-55. 1993; Wen, Edinburgh J. Bot. 58: 183-200. 2001; Wen et al., Acta Bot. Yunnan. 24: 557-568. 2002). The most recent revision (Wen, Cathaya 13-14: 1-116. 2002) treated the members of this group as a section within Aralia, an interpretation favored by the second author.

Between 18 and 22 species: restricted to Asia, especially the Sino-Himalayan region; 16 species (nine endemic) in China.